Several key statistics prove that one Arsenal player was able to play a crucial role for England against Slovakia on Sunday.
The headlines have been hogged by Jude Bellingham, which is understandable given the spectacular manner in which he came to England’s rescue in Cologne last night.
As Gareth Southgate’s side were on the precipice of a humiliating exit from Euro 2024, the Real Madrid star produced a 95th minute bicycle kick to score an equaliser and force extra time.
The Three Lions went on to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the competition thanks to a Harry Kane header.
However, it would be fair to say that like the rest of their teammates, Bellingham and Kane were far from their best throughout the match itself. None of the England players covered themselves in glory particularly, prior to the late dramatics.
However, the statistics from the match show that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was able to provide a very solid presence in the middle of the park.
Many Arsenal fans had Rice down as the man of the match.
What the numbers say about Arsenal ace Declan Rice’s display for England v Slovakia
Whilst he did not do anything spectacular against Slovakia, Rice generally succeeded where the majority of his teammates failed by doing the basics well.
According to statistics posted by talkSPORT on X, the 25-year-old completed 100% of his attempted dribbles, and was successful with 100% of his attempted tackles in this match. The Arsenal man also saw plenty of the ball, as he racked up 109 touches, and used it well, as he was accurate with 90% of his passes.
When England piled on pressure in the latter stages of the game, Rice pushed forward and kept the ball moving around. He also came close to making himself the hero of the night, as he saw an effort range crash against the post, prior to Bellingham’s stunning equaliser.
Mikel Arteta gets more out of Rice than Gareth Southgate
Whilst Rice does an important job for England, Mikel Arteta is undeniably able to coax more out of the midfielder than Gareth Southgate seems capable of doing. Rice is a real attacking threat for Arsenal. For England, though, he seems to be somewhat shackled.
Southgate’s tactics hold Rice back. If the England boss truly wants to see the best of what the former West Ham United man has to offer, then he has to let him loose in a more aggressive, attack-minded system.
